CAUSES OF FIRE
12. The classification of supposed causes of fire is set out in Appendix II from which it will be seen that there is no significant deviation from the pattern of previous years. Carelessness continues to be the predominant cause of fire, and no less than 42% of fires in this year can be directly attributed to carelessness and negligence.
13. During the year our procedures were revised for investigating fires particularly where circumstances were suggestive of deliberate origin. Arson is one of the most difficult crimes to detect and prove. The fire destroys much of the evidence and fire fighting operations further disturb this. Thus the investigation of arson requires the closest possible co-operation between pathologists, chemists, Police and Fire Service investigators. The arrangements for achieving such co-operation were reviewed and improved and we now have a more scientifically disciplined investigation procedure.
14. As will be seen from the appendices there were eleven fires which are believed to have been deliberately ignited. This is not necessarily a true increase in arson incidence over previous years but more probably the result of the tightening up of liaison and improved investigation procedures introduced during the year. In eight of the eleven cases neither the Police nor Fire Service were able to produce sufficient evidence for the prosecution of any person or persons for arson. Criminal proceedings were instituted in three cases; in one case the defendant died before the trial was completed; in one case the defendant was committed to a mental hospital; and the remaining case is still sub-judice.
15. All major fires are investigated by two independent teams of fire officers whose task is divided into three main parts-physical examination of debris which may occupy several days; interviewing witnesses, which again may take several days; and the collection and conveyance of specimens for chemical analysis, which may take upwards of a week.
CLASSIFICATION OF FIRES
16. The classification and pre-determined attendance schedules for outbreaks of fire in the Colony differ radically from systems used elsewhere in the Commonwealth, but for simple comparative statistical purposes fires may be classified as follows:
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